Jay Bookman

By AL

September 5, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

Running scared!! You have to love it. Liberals will never convince the voters of America that the attributes of the everyday hardworking American citizen, that made this country the greatest country ever are bad. Being someone that raises a family is not bad. Someone that fights and almost dies for their country is not bad. If you don’t support a government that believes in taxing it’s citizens to death is not bad. You are not a Redneck if you own a gun or go to church or work hard and want the government out of your business. The more people on this blog and around the country try to make it bad to love your country or call you a racist if you don’t think like they do, the less convincing they are. This thing is not even going to be close in November.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 5, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

Actually, we want Sarah on the dollar.

But thanks for noticing.

(Gee, are we supposed to hate ourselves or what? Should we have booed him?)

By Hmmmmm

September 5, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

Jefferson and Lincoln both had integrity. You could believe what they said. Obama, is a SAD representative for the Democratic party. The party that tells you what you want to hear, just to get elected. I am an independent who is voting for the best candidate, for this country. McCain is not perfect but he is by FAR the best alternative. His pick of Palin for VP was brilliant! She has more experience than Obama, and in time may be our first woman president. Only time will tell!

By BDAtlanta

September 5, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Where was McCain’s flag pin?

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

A summation of McBush’s speech:

“Read My Lips: no new taxes!” — oh wait, that was 1988.

Scratch that. New summation:

“Read My Lips: NO NEW POLICIES!”

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

The party that tells you what you want to hear, just to get elected.

That’s exactly what McBush is doing out of desperation to get elected… he’s now signed off on his Satan-pact with his “agents of intolerance” last night.

MMA — Maverick My @ss!

By Charles

September 5, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

I think the message from the GOP Convention was very clear: We’re going to expose the mainstream press for their bias and coddling of their anointed Savior, Obama.

Liberals like Jay can’t stand the fact John McCain is a true American hero - unlike John “Reporting For Duty” Kerry (what a liar and phoney). My Dad was a hero during World War II - he never shared his story with any of us. The only way I heard his story was from his pastor (he didn’t feel God would ever forgive him for killing so many of the enemy). Like Dad, McCain has a hard time sharing his story.

Only a Democraps would criticize him when he’s asked by his party to share his life experience of serving our country. Shameful behavior. The Republicans let it be known they honored Kerry on his service to our country - it was his lies of what he did in Vietnam and actions after the war that were criticized.

By jasper

September 5, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Well, the final numbers are in on the Neilsen ratings for Palin’s speach, over 40 million. Compared to ZerObama’s 38.6, looks like she not only exceeds him in experience and speech making, but in popularity. OMG, you libbies will be peeing all over yourselves today.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

The Republicans let it be known they honored Kerry on his service to our country.

Name one.

By Mike

September 5, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

By Mike September 5, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this “Obama jumped in to defend him on another occasion when he was asked if he had a problem with minorities.

The question was rooted in Biden’s occasional gaffes. He had apologized earlier for describing Obama as “articulate” and “clean” in one unguarded episode that was taken by some to have a racial overtone. And he’d had to defend his remark that “you cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent.””

http://www.ajc.com/fulton/content/news/stories/2008/08/23/joebidenprofile.html

Hey Captain Clicks. Is Biden (and Democrats) racist like Westmoreland? Or is this you showing what a shamless partisan hack you arew?

Tell us again about smears, hypocrite.

By BDAtlanta

September 5, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

I probably could have voted for the McCain of 2000, but he has turned 360 degrees in just the past 12 months.

The guy was tortured in Vietnam and up until the beginning of this election cycle was opposed to any form of torture. Of all the things he could have changed his mind on - Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, illegal wiretapping….but torture?

So who has the character problem? Who is willing to say whatever it takes to get elected? Which McCain are the Republicans electing?

By the way, Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone has a good article that blasts both candidates as being equally bought out by corporate interests. Good read:

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/22210615/candidatesforsale

By jasper

September 5, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Do you mean, name one service to our country by Kerry? Ok, well there was, uh, then there was, hmm. You got me. Well he did give us John Edwards.

By Eric1

September 5, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it funny how the wingnuts are exactly what they deride liberals for and accuse us of being. Any one of those nut jobs could look a the mirror and be totally disgusted. I’m amazed they don’t vomit every morning while they’re applying their war paint. How ‘bout it, AL? That ever happen to you? How ‘bout you, Hmmm, or you, Miss Mgmt?

By Mike

September 5, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

“By Goldie September 5, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this The Republicans let it be known they honored Kerry on his service to our country.

Name one.”

OK. George Bush:

“US President George W Bush has described his Democrat opponent John Kerry’s tour of duty in Vietnam as more heroic than his own service in the Air National Guard”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200408/s1187462.htm

That took two seconds.

By JayBird

September 5, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

If McCain did a 360, that means he is in the exact same place. You are obviously an Obama supporter with that kind of logic. A good article in Rolling Stone? That would be a first.

By Mike

September 5, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

“That’s not good for the country, but McCain thinks it’s good for him. So be it.”

Yeah, we need more people like Jay Bookman who are doing good things for the country. Like accusing Republicans of being racist then accuses McCain of being divisive.

Tell us again about the “nasty and personal” campaign Jay. You are a lousy pundits, but you are a stupendous hypocrite.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 5, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Hehehehehehe:

RASMUSSEN: Palin More Popular Than Obama or McCain… Developing…

Now wouldn’t ya, Barracuda?

By Charles

September 5, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Goldie ….. me for one in my statement above. But, (as usual) you are incapable of reading and understanding someone else’s comments. Your hatred of anything/anyone who isn’t Liberal must cloud your head from rational thinking.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah— and then Dubya grinned away when his buddies lied in their Swift Boat Ads… besides that, no one ever believed a word coming from Dubya’s mouth in 2004.

There, that took about 2 seconds.

By Shogun

September 5, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Eric1, try an anger management program.

By CJ

September 5, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Someone tell me why we need a maverick and a cut-throat hockey mom? I thought we needed class, dignity, and wisdom at this point in history.

Remember what happened when we elected the oil man/cowboy Bush? Can we stop electing based upon what sounds good in a comic book?

By Joe

September 5, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

To BD Atlanta

McCain’s flag pin is forever imbedded in his scars…his heart, his mind, his soul…don’t think you should question that one from a man who lived behind a door with no door knob for 5+ years….service is action not pins…but he has drawers full of those too..

By Willie

September 5, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Goldie: McCain brought tears to my eyes and Obama with his terrorist associations and no experience brought nausea to my stomach. Mcbush you said…you should really stay tuned into politics and not read so much drive by media! Be aware of the websites too…there are bloggers out there that purposely put out MISINFORMATTION to further a socialist cause. I think you have read too much of that.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

McCain’s speech was recycled Republican garbage. Nothing new. He’s even adopted Obama’s “change” mantra - how sad, can’t even come up with campaign brand without stealing it from Obama.

McCain said he was going to change things, but offered the same thing we’ve seen - that has proven to not work.

Except this time, and I loved this, he declared a war on teachers - and Russia. WTF?

And again, as usual, he used the same ol’ Obama’s gonna raise your taxes and get us all killed by the terrorists.

The sad thing is: it works.

Palin, despite her faults, has rallied the fundamentalist, and for that matter, the Republican base, and it will be a tough election - again, it may just work for the Republicans - we’ll see.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Me for one in my statement above.

Charles — would this being the statement you’re referring to when you posted @ 8:02 above:

“unlike John “Reporting For Duty” Kerry (what a liar and phoney).”

So which is it, Chucky — do you honor all of our veterans for their service, or just the ones who happen to agree with your very narrow world view???

By Mike

September 5, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

“By Goldie September 5, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this Oh yeah— and then Dubya grinned away when his buddies lied in their Swift Boat Ads… besides that, no one ever believed a word coming from Dubya’s mouth in 2004.

There, that took about 2 seconds.”

Of course it took two seconds because it didn’t relate to anything. You asked for one Republican who said he honored Kerry’s service. I gave you one immediately.

You then respond with some unrelated and unsubstantiated claim about Bush. (I can say that Obama was also bashing Kerry as there is no way to prove or disprove it. I try to stick to facts, unlike you who sticks to ignorance and self-delusion.)

I made a mistake in responding to you. I forgot that you are not capable of maintaining a consistant thought for two seconds, as opposed to your repitilian and ignorant knee jerk reactions.

I won’t waste either of our time in the future.

By Marie

September 5, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

And Jay what about Obama-Biden paying their lip service to bipartisanship when Biden talks about the possibility prosecuting the president for “some unknown” crimes if they win the election. And then when asked about it —he says he just doesn’t know anything about how that rumor started. And they talk about McCain being too old.

I got two words for you Obamanites if you hope to win this election — “BLOW JOE!!”

By Charles

September 5, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Before I head off to my next appointment to pay for Goldie’s welfare check:

John McCain criticizes ad attacking Kerry

To further help Goldie here is an excerpt from that article that also gives a statement from the Bush Administation:

Soon after, White House spokesman Scott McClellan declined to do so and instead criticized the financing of the ad, saying the president “deplores all the unregulated soft-money activity.” McClellan said the Bush campaign had nothing to do with the ad or the group behind it. *“We have not and we will not question Kerry’s service in Vietnam,” *he said.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Charles,

“McCain has a hard time sharing his story”

Did you see the convention last night? Did you watch the big colorful production on the screen introducing McCain?

How many times in the past month has he mentioned he was a POW?

Don’t give me that BS. That’s insulting.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Willie @ 8:42 — maybe you didn’t catch one of your Repugs last night calling your guy “John Bush” on TV, for all to see and hear:

TOM BROKAW: But the fact is, governor, that you have had eight years of a bush administration and a lot of Republicans in Congress for the last eight years, so why wouldn’t the american people say, look they had their shot we’re going to change?

TOM RIDGE: Because John Bush - because John McCain is very much his own man…

Or, maybe you just didn’t hear McBush himself state that he’s voted with Dubya on all the major issues we face today?

By Moosey

September 5, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Here’s what’s telling. The RNC convention loved it’s VP candidate more than it loves is presidential candidate!

That’s funny.

Resounding and roaring pandemonium for the VP, contrasted by programmed cheers for the pres. Wow!

And they’ve only known her 5 days. The journalistic gun totin, rootin tootin “mayor” of Wasilla. Hillarious.

Telling, very telling.

By Winston Smith

September 5, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

The horrible thing about the Two Minutes Hate was not that one was obliged to act a part, but, on the contrary, that it was impossible to avoid joining in. Within thirty seconds any pretence was always unnecessary. A hideous ecstasy of fear and vindictiveness, a desire to kill, to torture, to smash faces in with a sledge-hammer, seemed to flow through the whole group of people like an electric current, turning one even against one’s will into a grimacing, screaming lunatic. And yet the rage that one felt was an abstract, undirected emotion which could be switched from one object to another like the flame of a blowlamp. Thus, at one moment Winston’s hatred was not turned against Goldstein at all, but, on the contrary, against Big Brother, the Party, and the Thought Police; and at such moments his heart went out to the lonely, derided heretic on the screen, sole guardian of truth and sanity in a world of lies. And yet the very next instant he was at one with the people about him, and all that was said of Goldstein seemed to him to be true. At those moments his secret loathing of Big Brother changed into adoration, and Big Brother seemed to tower up, an invincible, fearless protector, standing like a rock against the hordes of Asia, and Goldstein, in spite of his isolation, his helplessness, and the doubt that hung about his very existence, seemed like some sinister enchanter, capable by the mere power of his voice of wrecking the structure of civilization.

Welcome to the Two Minutes Hate.

By "The Corporal"

September 5, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Jay

At least Lincoln was a captain in the Illinois militia in the Blackhawk war and Jefferson was very familiar with firearms and made this statment:

“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure.”

Obama is still a wimp compared to McCain, Lincoln or Jefferson.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Except this time, and I loved this, he declared a war on teachers - and Russia. WTF?

LMAO, Bosch! And didn’t you spit out your Chardonnay when they blasted anyone over and over again who may have worked in their communities to promote change???

Oh, those Repugs — showing Da Love for Americans, once again!

By Ray

September 5, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

AL, 7:26

Best post of the day. The libs are already running scared of Palin. Dispatching the Hilldabeast to FL to try to do damage control. Also sending Napalitano to try to capture the Hillaryites. If the Annointed One doesn’t capture this side of the electorate, he is toast and he knows it. They are scared to death of this lady and it shows.

By Shawny

September 5, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

So Bookman opines, “I just don’t think that being a tough old bird is the skill set required in the presidency at this moment in history.”

So, exactly what is that skill set you look for…great oratory skills..great ability to rev up a crowd with a speech? True, McCain isn’t a fiery and interesting speaker, but is that a skill set that is required to work with congress for real change? If so, your guy, and you are a leftist partisan hack, is the one you should vote for. However, if you look at the records of the two candidates and consider the approach to real bi-partisanship, then McCain is your man.

One that sounds good, or one that does good.

By Middle Man

September 5, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

I read these blogs with great amusement. You people (libs and cons) are quite amusing. In fact, as with UGA-GA Tech, Alabama - Auburn, Clemson - USC, or “less filling vs. tastes great” your bickering and “loyalty” seems to be the real story. And as with the aforementioned overzealous sports fans (and beer drinkers), your thoughts, opinions; and dare I say, even your VOTES mean nothing. The differences between McCain and Obama (at the policy level) do not concern you because their policies will not benefit you (unless you are part of the ownership class in this country). I couple bucks might “trickle down” here and there, but out two party system does not produce “change” or “reform”. It produces twin sons from different mothers. This whole spitting contest (elections) was designed to convince the otherwise dim-witted electorate they have skin in the game. We don’t. So, look to Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh; or Keith Olberman and Chris Matthews to pump up “their” candidates, while the “bookies” in Washington take as much action as they can. To paraphrase the late George Carlin, “after the Presidential election, I’m sure the nation will improve dramatically…”

By T

September 5, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Bosch

I totally agree. It was a good speech. I just can’t understand how some of the points directly conflict with most Republican views.

By TW

September 5, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Palin IS George W Bush.

The crack of light that kept McSame from being ‘w’s clone has been closed with Palin - investigation, special interests, bold face liar, etc….

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

So Charles @ 8:47 — when are YOU going to “honor” John Kerry’s service with your own words, before you rush off to pay for CORPORATE welfare checks today???

Still waiting, Chucky… all I saw you post this morning is what a “liar and a phoney” @ 8:02… is that the extent of your “honor” for Sen. Kerry’s service to America???

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

I won’t waste either of our time in the future.

OK, Mikey — just say “BUH-BYE, and no more whining here on the blog from me every day!”

By VietKong

September 5, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Joe

We don’t want to hear that B-S. People like you are looking for outward symbols of patriotism.

Scars my @s$! He shouldn’t have been hot-dogging and got SHOT DOWN and caught! He deserved what he got, just as we claim the POWs we hold deserve what they get. That’s what happens when you get caught by the enemy.

My father too fought in ‘Nam”, parachuted into enemy territory with the 101st and blazed his guns. And guess what? HE DIDN’T get caught!

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Good morning Goldie,

I actually just read my email from Obama and Biden - and there was a good point made -

Community organizers and activists are needed to fight the failed policies of politicians.

I liked that.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Bosch — as I posted earlier on Wooten-Pooten’s blog this morning, all I heard from McBush last night was:

“Drill, drill, drill!”

“War, War, War!”

“P.O.W.!”

“What time is it and where’s my pajamas?!”

By Taxpayer

September 5, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Mike @ 8:14,

A couple of items:

By bearcasey

September 5, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

If a majority of Americans were old wealthy white guys, like myself, McCain would win easily. Since this isn’t the case, good man John will be swept into the dustbin of history. The Republicans will be PUNISHED for inflicting the glorifiied frat boy “W” on us. What a dummy!

By gttim

September 5, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

McCain was no war hero! He lost 5 planes- but only one in combat. Yes he was a POW- one that gave up information to the Vietnamese for medical treatment just days after being captured (admitted in his book). And lets be clear, except for the contacts of his father and grandfather as Admirals, he never would have become a pilot after graduating 894th out of 899. HE was also suspected of being the cause of the fire on the USS Forrestal that killed 134 sailors after wet starting his plane as a joke on the pilot behind him.

He has never been a maverick. He has always been about the wealthy- see Keating Five. Now he wants us to think he is about change? He got into the Senate in 1982. Why hasn’t he been about change until now? He could have done lots of stuff, but he hasn’t. He has voted with Bush 95% of the time.

And remember, bipartisanship to the GOP means doing it their way. Always has been. Their way has run our great country into the ground. No more of the GOP’s idea of bipartisanship. We need real change!

By Locke

September 5, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Mike, You know from her posts that Goldie is just a bitter and very bored secretary. Her boss needs to give her something to type so she’s not wasting our time here.

The Dems had a great convention. The one thing they didn’t have: Cowboy Troy. ‘Nuff said.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Goldie,

Yeap, that’s because that’s all he said, and declared a war on teachers and Russia.

“What time is it and where’s my pajamas?!”

OMG, I say that sometimes myself - am I wicked old?

LOL!!!!

By Sam

September 5, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

You bunch of ignorant American Idol posing freaking idiot putzes don’t know what the hell is wrong with this country.

Imperialism, Keynesian economics, bankers in charge of monetary policy, corporatism, socialism, warfare, welfare, massive debt, ascendant countries competing for resources, corruption, lobbyists, excessive taxes, big brother, control,…

You flag waving cheerleaders got your heads so far up your smelly collective asses you don’t know your children’s future stinks.

Start reading something besides this blog. Like Lew Rockwell for one.

By Ray

September 5, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

It must frustrate the Annointed One as much as it probably does the Hilldabeast that wrong choices were made by the Demos. They had a chance with Clinton but they blew it and picked an unelectable candidate. After 19mos on the campaign trail, endless speeches and ham and round potato dinners, the Annointed One will realize on Nov 5th that he is just not the one that the majority of Americans wants. Some relatively inexperienced journalism major from Idaho….. Who wudda thunk it. You can fool some of the people, some of the time……

By ricecakes

September 5, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

WOW, is all I have to say about McCain’s and Palin’s speeches. Could they have come up with something original. 95% of what they said was stolen words and phrases from Obama’s convention speech! How pathetic! If you McCain supporters can’t see through this…you deserve the next four years of $10 a gallon gas and $8 for a gallon of milk. You will deserve the on-going war and our troops dying. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE, PEOPLE!!!

By Swami Dave

September 5, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Jay:

I find it interesting that you would perceive that it is only now that this election has devolved to the point that “51% will go to bed hating the other 49%”. I would contend that with the continued shrinkage of those who are truly “undecided”; this process has been going on since the Clinton years.

It has only gotten worse in successive election cycles as partisans (on both sides) have simply gotten more vicious & loud in their attempts to influence / attract (or actually detract from opponents) that shrinking pool.

Frankly, debate & discussion where opponents talk about issues or talk to their opposition has been replaced by louder and louder talking at them.

I would contend that this culture is not new. For all of the platitudes about “new tones” & “change”, the reality is that elections (at least today) are played out as competitions between opponents telling you why not to vote for the other guy instead of ever investing the time & effort to tell you why to vote for them.

-Swami Dave

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

This is what Bush/McCain economic policies get us:

[The unemployment rate jumped to 6.1 percent in August, its highest level in five years, as the erosion of the job market showed no sign of slowing.

Employers cut 84,000 jobs last month, more than economists had expected, and the Labor Department said that more jobs were lost in June and July than previously thought.

So far, 605,000 jobs have disappeared since January. The unemployment rate, which rose from 5.7 percent in July, is now at its highest level since September 2003](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/business/economy/06econ.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref)

Read the article - it gets even better

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Corporal @ 8:51 — about 70% of America now understands that war-mongering does not a POTUS make.

McBush has proven himself to be a good soldier… but now America needs a real leader for change, and that certainly is not McBush/Plain, no mattter how hard they try to use the word “change” in their decomposing Repug rhetoric!

By Lewis

September 5, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

John McCain seems like a decent fellow. To bad he’s on the wrong side of the issues. He says he feels ordinary americans’ pain…but he’s not going to do anything about it. He’s going to change Washington…yeah right…he’s been there, supporting bush for the past 8 years. Jay is correct. McCain’s only hope to win is to use the fear strategy of Bush and Rove. That means its going to get ugly…so much for ending partisan rancor.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Bosch @ 9:19 — and thank God we’re not trying to promote YOU as our next POTUS…

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Ugh. One day I’m going to learn not to put spaces in between paragraphs when linking something:

The unemployment rate jumped to 6.1 percent in August, its highest level in five years, as the erosion of the job market showed no sign of slowing. Employers cut 84,000 jobs last month, more than economists had expected, and the Labor Department said that more jobs were lost in June and July than previously thought. So far, 605,000 jobs have disappeared since January. The unemployment rate, which rose from 5.7 percent in July, is now at its highest level since September 2003

By RealityKing

September 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

McCain will fight congress on the budget deficit, Obama will explode it. Just as our pitiful 110th Congress has done over the last 2 years! 1% to 3+% This year we will have the highest budget deficit in history, 500+ Bilion!! Proving once agian that the only thing worse than slack republicans are liberal democrats.

This year, I think I’ll vote for an independent-minded American hero instead of a partisan liberal zero.

By ricecakes

September 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Oh, and how many times did the cameras need to focus on the 3 or 4 minorities in the crowd? There weren’t many I can tell you. There were a bunch of old soldiers, 70+ citizens and a bunch of hick hoppers. Thank you McCain for being a copycat by stealing Obama’s speech and “Change” phrase. By doing this you confirmed that you will pickup where George Bush left off.

By BDAtlanta

September 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

McCain had to pick someone as VP who could shore up the extreme right of the Republican party. Without the religious extremists and the Oreilly/Rusch/Hannity/Boortz/Savage listeners (worshippers?) he couldn’t win Dog Catcher.

My question is, if he needed the loons, why didn’t he just choose Huckabee? To paraphrase another writer “At least Huck eats nachos so he has hands-on foreign experience.”

By ww5

September 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

JAY - i know this comment won’t change your mind, but with n. korea, iran, and russia reverting back to cold war days and tactics, maybe we need a mccain at this point in history. obama is too kool, and unless putin bangs a gucci on a conference table, he may not know what to do.

By ricecakes

September 5, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

WOW, is all I have to say about McCain’s and Palin’s speeches. Could they have come up with something original. 95% of what they said was stolen words and phrases from Obama’s convention speech! How pathetic! If you McCain supporters can’t see through this…you deserve the next four years of $10 a gallon gas and $8 for a gallon of milk. You will deserve the on-going war and our troops dying. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE, PEOPLE!!!

Oh, and how many times did the cameras need to focus on the 3 or 4 minorities in the crowd? There weren’t many I can tell you. There were a bunch of old soldiers, 70+ citizens and a bunch of hick hoppers. Thank you McCain for being a copycat by stealing Obama’s speech and “Change” phrase. By doing this you confirmed that you will pickup where George Bush left off.

By Lewis

September 5, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

As far as changing the culture of Washington, one person can’t do it (Obama or McCain). For real change we would have to start at home, and not have gerrymandered congressional districts that deliver mostly far right or far left reps to congress. There are few moderates in congress…which leads to all or nothing gamesmanship and a majorly p** off minority. Iowa did it (eliminated gerrymandering)! Other states should too.

By marko

September 5, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Jay I think this is one of rare occassions you hit the nail on the head. Sarah’s the new darling of the people John once called “agents of intolerance”.I prefer the term right wing nut jobs myself, but whats poor John to do Republicans have become so dependent on right wing fundalmentalist they can’t win without them . fundalmentalist can’t win with them and can’t win without them. John can’t carry this thing without a solid base, and his is crumbling. Polls show that christian conservatives are becoming less keen on politics.Face it John they never liked you anyway. In the past , these guys never voted in large numbers, that may not be the case this time. Another group that’s been a traditional stonghold for Repubs seems to be slipping away. Many gulf war vets have been elected as democrats, and Obama has collected more contributions from active duty service men than McCain has. I’m sure the soldiers appreciate all the tearey eyed flag waving, but at of the day food and heath care mean a lot more than a pat on the back. A lot of these guys don’t think that John, how many houses do I own, has always been there for them. I don’t underestimate the The Repubs. They have kicked our butts the last two elections, still I’m convinced that this time around they are too old, too white, to wierd and too few. Bet you guys are sorry you p** off all the hispanics are’nt you?

By bob e

September 5, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

keep this in mind: the repubs play chess and dems still play checkers. if you can’t figure that out, you must be a dem.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

McCain saying he is going to “change” Washington is like a drug addict saying they are going cure themselves of being an addict.

or I heard a comedian say this once -

“I’m gonna LOOOOOSSSSEEE some weight, I’m gonna eat these donuts first, but then I’m gonna LOOOOOOOSSSSSEEEE some weight.”

By Billy

September 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Yes, Charles, McCain did criticize the attacks on Kerry’s war record.

Of course, he now welcomes the support form Bud Day, who spreads lies about Obama and was as much a leader of the swiftboaters as any other one person was. We’re supposed to believe he’s a maverick? Please. He’s no different than the rest of the party — wlling to do anything and associate with anyone to get elected.

By RealityKing

September 5, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

If you think 6.1% unemplyment is bad.., just wait until liberals start raising small business taxes. You know, the ones that keep most of us employed. Europe uses similar socialistic taxing tactics, and runs a 10-15% unemplyment rate, during the good times..

By WOW

September 5, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

It’s pretty clear.. McCain is a genuine American hero who has devoted his life to the service of his country. Obama is a community organizer and very green, junior senator who extolls the virtues of nebulous concepts with absolutely no idea how to bring them to fruition.

But really Bookman, you call that journalism? I suspect any high schooler could do better. You get paid for this??

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

bob e,

Not me or my friends bud.

Reality King @ 9:38 -

You really want to blame to deficit on the two-year-old Dem Congress? My God - so politically one-sided you’re so desperate and will try anything to justify the incompetence demonstrated the last eight years.

I guess in your narrow mind the Iraq War was free!

By Willie

September 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Well why dont we blame the I dont care congress led by the I dont do nothing liberals? Goldier, after the election for president are you going to get on Pelosi arse for doing nothing? Will you scream at Harry to move things along? NO, you will act just like Pelosi and sit there! Change! That is where change is needed. Is Pelosi going to sit down for four more years if McCain wins? Tell me Goldie…what did Bush do to stop legislation in this country?

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Reality King,

Fear mongering gets you no where. The whole notion of “Obama’s going to ruin things” is old.

Have you been asleep for almost a decade? It’s not Obama’s policies that are ruining our country. It’s the ones that McCain intends to continue.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Reality King,

Your mother should have taught you not to spread viscious lies:

Support Small Business

Provide Tax Relief for Small Businesses and Start Up Companies: Barack Obama will eliminate all capital gains taxes on start-up and small businesses to encourage innovation and job creation. Obama will also support small business owners by providing a $500 “Making Work Pay” tax credit to almost every worker in America. Self-employed small business owners pay both the employee and the employer side of the payroll tax, and this measure will reduce the burdens of this double taxation.

That’s right off Obama’s web site - please show me anywhere in that paragraph he says he will raise taxes on small businesses?

By Dimwit

September 5, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Uh, where do I go to apply for a job as a “community organizer?”

By ByteMe

September 5, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I watched McCain last night.

I thought he gave a good speech, not great, of course, just good. He’s just not good making speeches. Ok, limitation accepted.

Most of the speech was typical recycled Republican applause lines: “culture of life”, “judges making laws from the bench”, “cut your taxes”, “eliminate government programs that don’t work”, etc. Didn’t hear a differentiating vision for the country or specifics for what he thinks should change or how he’s going to accomplish it. Other than to stop the partisan sniping. Good luck, John. I’ll look forward to seeing if any details are forthcoming or if it was just applause lines.

The part where the audience booed how McCain was different than Obama… that was terrible theater. Who coached the crowd to boo?? Terrible. They should have re-written the lines so that the crowd could cheer at the end.

The part that got my attention was the call to arms for the party to change. I’m stunned and pleased he did that. I think the delegates were also pretty stunned, but that’s good, they needed to hear that after 4 days of lovefesting.

I’m surprised more isn’t being made of this part the speech.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Dimwit,

So is that the new GOP attack? To mock and make fun of community organizers?

You should be embarrassed.

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

“At least Huck eats nachos so he has hands-on foreign experience.”

Guffaw, BDatl— And happy Friday! I’m thinking the only thing that disqualified that ole Huck was that he did not have the correct body parts for McBush’s gimmick.

A new day is coming to America and it begins in Jan. ‘09…

By Goldie

September 5, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

after the election for president are you going to get on Pelosi arse for doing nothing?

No Willie — after Obama/Biden wins in November, we’ll have what we need to work with Congress and finally get the necessary work done… we’re working on no more Repug obstructionism which creates that “do-nothing” Congress we have today.

I suggest you take some civics classes and bone-up on how the Congress works or doesn’t work with our POTUS.

By jasper

September 5, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

It will be a new day Moldie. And Mac will make Zer0 even more famous than he is right now. Called out on his junkie style earmark spending, sending his political career even further down the Democrapper.

By lrd

September 5, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Was it me, or did you notice how McCain kept speaking about failed government, about failed policies, about how the last few years have been hard on everyone…. I mean he basically slapped his own party in the face.. Nice job trying to distance himself from Bush, but can he really distance himself that much from his own party?

By RealityKing

September 5, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

According to IRS data, $706 billion of pass-through business income was reported in 2006. Of this, two-thirds was earned in households making more than $250,000. Errr…, What was that? Households making more than $250,000?? But, but aren’t those the very same households upon which Obama will dramatically raise taxes!? And if raising the tax rate on two-thirds of small-business income isn’t a tax hike on small business, what is Bosch!!??

Sorry, but the facts are, that the tax rate on two-thirds of small-business income would skyrocket under the Obama plan. The current tax rate on this income today is 37.9 percent. Obama’s plan, thanks to uncapping the Social Security tax base, would skyrocket two-thirds of small-business’ tax rate all the way up to near 54.9 percent, Carter levels of the 70’s.

I know, I know…, Obama’s website doesn’t say that, but those are the facts according to the IRS.

By getalife "whiners"

September 5, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Great.

Now the old man wants you to drink his change kool aid.

McCain spewed,”Everything is f—-ing spin.”

Now that is finally the truth.

By RB from Gwinnett

September 5, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I like how Jay wrote this piece as if he actually weighed what’s going on in the world right how against the qualifications of the candidate before he made his decision to support Obama. Please, Jay, stop taking the public for idiots as your candidate does. We’re not. And you’re transparent, Jay. You’re not fooling anybody.

And for your man Obama, it doesn’t bother me if McCain hasn’t unveiled some grand plan to make my life better. I DON’T NEED GOVERNMENT TO MAKE MY LIFE BETTER!!! I’d prefer if they’d let go of my checkbook a little and leave me alone. I’ll take care of myself.

By Midori

September 5, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

keep this in mind: the repubs play chess and dems still play checkers. if you can’t figure that out, you must be a dem.

I sure wish you wingnuts would pick one slur and stick with it.

i thought “we” were the “elitists”??

Elitists play checkers?

By Dimwit

September 5, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Uh, what does a “community organizer” do, by the way?

By BDAtlanta

September 5, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

So has McCain muzzled Sister Sarah?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/5/03014/25099/435/587385

Thu Sep 04, 2008 at 09:30:14 PM PDT

(h/t) Mark Nickolas at Political Base

By Boots

September 5, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Given the state of the economy, the deficit and debt —- the best strategy is the get off of this merry-go-round by voting for a republican president with a democratic congress and hope for grid-lock.

We need to catch our breath and this may be the way to accomplish the “time-out.”

By ByteMe

September 5, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

RealityKing: those are not quite the facts. You probably aren’t closely involved with your taxes or you would know that tax rates are indexed. In other words, if the cut-off for a certain tax rate is $250K, then all the money below $250K is taxed at one rate and everything above $250K is taxed at another. Your entire income is NOT suddenly taxed at the higher rate.

And I’m not clear on how you get to 54.9 when social security tax rates are below 14%.

And if you’re a really smart business person with your own small business and a decent accountant, you also know how to protect some of your income from social security taxes by turning the profits into dividends, which don’t have social security taxes.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Reality King,

I don’t take the word of plagarists like yourself. Can’t you come up with your own analysis instead of plagarising someone’s analysis of Obama’s plan with obvious wingnut bias?

What is it with you wingnuts and your inability to think?

Don’t you think I could google and come up with some other liberal analysis of Obama’s plan that says the exact opposite?

Again, when has Obama said he was going to raise taxes on small businesses?

By Billy

September 5, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

What far left reps, Lewis? Kucinich? Our political spectrum is so skewed that what we consider centrist is fairly far to the right. For all the claims by the right of Obama being a socialist, he’s really anything but. My evidence? Go to a progressive site (say CommonDreams.org) and check out what people are saying. Actual socialists call him a corporatist. Which is it? Socialist or corporatist?

I went to this great little site that quantifies left/right leanings. You take the quiz, they give you a result. Mine? “Economic Left/Right: -6.75, Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -4.97” I’m closest to Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama, evidently, but in U.S. politics I’m nearly alone. Nader and Kucinich were the only two candidates this year that were remotely near me on the chart.

Most European countries have experienced both the far left and the far right. I think Europeans would find the notion that radical leftists are elected to Congress largely laughable. After Kucinich and Bernie Sanders, I’m not sure who else would be accurately described by that label…

By susan

September 5, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Thank you Jay for your take on the Republican convention and for your perspective on what is to come.

A stauch Republican told me earlier this week how impressed they were with what they saw in Obama as they watched the NDC. I was stunned. Did Obama make inroads into the right wing conservative party?

Is this an isolated incident or is it a sign that other dyed in the wool republicans might stray and not be tied fast to the Republican party powerhouse? This particular republican is a racist, too, which makes the comment that much more puzzling. I have not had a chance yet to get their take on the republican convention, but who knows.

susan in atlanta

By norman ravitch

September 5, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Repudiating Bush is the beginning of wisdom.

By Truth

September 5, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

LMAO…. Reading what some of you librals write is better than watching tv….

By Billy

September 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

RB from Gwinnett —

If you’re in the 10% of people who will actually be paying more in taxes under Obama’s plan than you are now then I’m guessing your checkbook is doing just fine.

By Timus

September 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

I think McCain is a man of integritgy. But the people around him no so much…including his new “pitbull with lipstick”. It almost insures that this will be an ugly two months and there will be some hard feelings on Nov 5th. But I really do hope I’m wrong.

By Timus

September 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

I think McCain is a man of integrity. But the people around him no so much…including his new “pitbull with lipstick”. It almost insures that this will be an ugly two months and there will be some hard feelings on Nov 5th. But I really do hope I’m wrong.

By BDAtlanta

September 5, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Anyone care to see Big O slam Sister Sarah and Johnny Mac regarding Community organizing?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/4/23294/93279/493/587351

Obama quote “Do they think that the lives of those folks struggling each and every day, that working with to try and improve their lives is somehow not relevant to the presidency.

I think that is part of the problem, that they are out of touch and dont get it because they haven’t spent much time working on behalf of those folks.”

To Tom at 10:39: mwuahahahahahaa. Class war! Like Warren Buffet said, and I paraphrase: “There is a class war…and my class is winning it.

By Timus

September 5, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

The whole community organizer thing gives Republican’s the guilt trip. Most chose their own personal ambitions over actually helping the community. And lord knows Republicans like to feel good about themselves and pat themselves on the back.

By lrd

September 5, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Did Gov Palin check with Michael Vick to find out if you can put lipstick on a pitbull and still call them pretty?

By Ray

September 5, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

The Annointed One will rue the day 16mos ago when he stood before an adoring crowd in Detroit and embraced fellow brother, Kilpatrick, the recently convicted felon mayor. His loyalty was short lived when he insisted that Kilpatrick not come to the convention……. ring a bell, Demos?……. and when he threw Kilpatrick under the bus so fast no one saw it. The company that the Annointed One keeps will be his downfall yet. The company that someone keeps and calls “a distingushed friend upstanding American” says a lot about the Annointed One’s character. Ayers, Wright, Kilpatrick, Rezo….. the list goes on.

By Bosch

September 5, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

BDAtlanta,

Thanks for posting that. That was great.

“Big O” - I like that.

By RealityKing

September 5, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Damn public schools…

OK, if I make 500,000 from my small business, today I pay 39.7% tax on the money over 250,000. But under Obama that 39.7% rate would skyrocket to high 40s%, most liberal democrats want 50%!! Add in the extra 7+% Obama Social Security tax, (not being spent on SS), and vala, that’s an approx 54% tax rate. Coming to every small business owner in America, under Obama…

And let’s be straight. This is not new change! This is backwards change to the same old failed tax and spend policies of the 70’s!! The very same ones that Europe continues to use to stiffle her innovations..

By Chris

September 5, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Why should the voters, worried about the economy and weary of war, reward the party of George W. Bush with another four years in